Ondo senator aide resignation stirs controversy as aide quits over N20,000 salary, citing harsh economic realities and failed attempts for wage review

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he political circle in Ondo State was shaken this week as ondo senator aide resignation made headlines following the exit of Tunbosun Awe from the team of Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, who represents Ondo North Senatorial District.

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Awe, who served as a ward liaison officer at Isowopo Ward II in Akoko North East Local Government Area, publicly announced his resignation over a longstanding salary dispute.

In his letter made available to news outlets on Wednesday, Mr Awe detailed his reasons for quitting, pointing specifically to the monthly stipend of N20,000, which he described as unacceptable given Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“This is sequel to the N20,000 monthly salary payment to me, which is against the present economic realities and a far cry from the national minimum wage of N70,000,” Mr Awe stated in his resignation letter, clearly expressing frustration.

His letter further revealed repeated, unsuccessful attempts to engage the senator in a discussion about his remuneration. Despite multiple efforts, he said no improvement was made.

Mr Awe’s professional relationship with Senator Ipinsagba dates back to 2006, when he joined the senator’s campaign structure during the initial stages of his senatorial ambitions.

He served as secretary of the campaign team and later as a personal assistant when Mr Ipinsagba worked as a special assistant on industrialisation during the late Governor Olusegun Agagu’s administration.

“In addition, an audience had been sought with you at different intervals of the need to increase the pay, all to no avail.

Especially, when it is fully established with you that N20,000 is the same amount you offered me as your personal assistant in 2007,” he wrote.

This long-term affiliation adds weight to the resignation, underscoring a personal disappointment rather than just a professional fallout.

Mr Awe insisted that his decision was not driven by malice but by the need to survive in the face of soaring inflation and the cost of living crisis currently gripping the country.

His message touched on loyalty, sacrifice, and the need for fair compensation for political aides who often work behind the scenes under challenging conditions.

He also expressed gratitude to the senator for the opportunities he had been given. “I sincerely appreciate you for the years of engagement and for trusting me with responsibilities in your political journey,” the letter concluded.

Efforts to reach the senator’s office for comments yielded limited results. The senator’s media aide, Yinka Ajagunna, acknowledged the report and promised to revert with an official response.

However, as of the time this story was filed, no statement had been released, and subsequent calls to his known lines went unanswered.

The ondo senator aide resignation has since sparked heated conversations on social media and within political groups across Ondo State.

Many observers argue that the incident highlights the broader issue of how support staff in Nigerian politics are compensated, particularly at grassroots levels.

“This resignation speaks volumes about the disconnection between elected officials and those who work tirelessly to support their mandates,” said a local political analyst who asked to remain anonymous.

He added, “There is no justification in this day and age for anyone on a senator’s payroll to be earning N20,000. It is not just unfair—it is demoralising.”

As the story continues to unfold, many will be watching to see if Senator Ipinsagba or his office will address the matter publicly, or if this shocking episode will fade quietly into the background.

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With ondo senator aide resignation drawing significant public attention, the demand for transparency, fair compensation, and respect for loyal political aides remains a key issue in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.